Psychic Science

A compilation and examination of data with the aim of demonstrating the possible existence of spirits independent of the human body and to validate their ability to communicate with humanity. According to J. Hewat McKenzie 's summary in his book Spirit Intercourse, (1916), the following claims fall within the proper research perimeters of psychic science:

1. That at the death of the body, a human being continues to function as a conscious being.
2. That he or she functions after death in a refined spirit-body or soul, which has substance and weight, and which can be seen and photographed.
3. That this soul existed within the physical body during life, and is organic, having brain, nerves, blood-vessels, heart, etc.
4. That the soul can communicate in various ways with persons on earth both before and after death.
5. That the world in which the soul dwells after the death of the body lies immediately around the physical earth.
6. That a man or woman while alive may leave the physical body, and by use of the soul, may explore spheres of refined physical states, commonly called the spirit world.

Abstractly, psychic science might seem to be but a focus within psychical research or parapsychology, however, in practice, it has functioned as a synonym of Spiritualism. The foundation of various British societies and colleges of "psychic science" and the dropping of the term "Spiritualist" in favor of "psychic science," without any appreciable redirection of program stems from the Spiritualist's claims that their religion can be scientifically demonstrated.

(See also British College of Psychic Science ; College of Psychic Studies )

Psychic Science (Journal)

Quarterly journal of the British College of Psychic Science, founded in 1920 in London by James Hewat McKenzie. The first issue of the journal, April 1922, bore the title Quarterly Transactions of the British College of Psychic Science, but beginning with the April 1923 issue was shortened to Psychic Science. In 1945 Psychic Science was absorbed into Light, the journal of the College of Psychic Studies. Last known address: 16 Queens-berry Pl., South Kensington, London, SW7 2EB England.

Sources:

Edmonds, Simeon. Spiritualism: a Critical Survey. London: Aquarian Press, 1966.